Australian women before the War were quiet, polite and modest.
In the 1920s, women suddenly appeared sporting short skirts, short hairstyles, smoking, swearing and riding motorcycles.
Where had this new Australian woman come from? Once the soldiers had packed their sacks and hopped on the ships to fight the War in Europe, women emerged from their houses to fill the jobs left empty in support of the armed forces at home and abroad.
The movement from house to workforce which was made by many (but not all) Australian women, led to the birth of the new woman of the 1920s. Liberated by her experiences in the war, women worked and lived in the manner men had enjoyed for decades.
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Gwen Caine of Bowen ready for a dancing recital. She is seen in her dancing costume, posing on pointe, ca. 1925. |
Wedding of Drew and Marie Drynan at St. Stephens Cathedral, Brisbane, 14 August 1929. |
Miss Katie Fitzgerald |
Their royal highnesses the Duke and Duchess of York enjoy a morning at Mt Cootha April 1927. |
Lilian Sandells ca. 1925 |
Bert Hinkler and his family Bundaberg Queensland 1928 |
Young women wearing cloche hats, skirts and jackets, ca. 1925. Each has her own set of golf clubs. |
Dressed in their best at Coochin Station, ca 1928. |
Two women pose for a photo in the 1920s. Both are wearing dresses typical of the era with hip-line waistbands, and hats. |
1924 Buick tourer at Tamborine Mountain |
Female tennis players, ca. 1927. |
Beach girls posing under their umbrellas, Brisbane, ca. 1925. |
Melbourne artist Jessie Traill with her bicycle |
Brisbane wedding, ca. 1925 |
Wedding of Nancy and Clarrie Wieting, Brisbane, ca. 1925 |
E. Power on her wedding day in August, 1927 |
Bathers enjoying a day at Coolum beach, 1929 |
Costume parade in Charleville, Queensland, ca. 1920. |
Cooking outside while kitchen is being added to homestead. |
Studio portrait of Stella Doblo holding a camera, Gladstone, 1910-1920. She wears a hat, dress, shoes and socks. The studio backdrop shows a bush scene. |
Pineapple Rovers Soccer Club, Kangaroo Point, ca. 1924. |
Harry Sunderland was secretary of Queensland Rugby League from 1913-1922 and again from 1925-1938. He was also a journalist. |
Entrants in a Queen competition to raise funds for the ambulance, Palen Creek, ca. 1927. |
Steam locomotive aboard the M.S. Belray at Pinkenba Wharf, Brisbane 7 July 1927. |
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Woman with a basket of mandarins |